New York City is made up of five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Each one has enough attractions—and enough personality—to be a city all its own. Learn more about them with this guide.

New York City's public piers range from the sprawling (some cover more than 14 acres) to the slender. A leisurely stroll down any of them is a mini-getaway in its own right. From just a few hundred feet offshore, you get sweeping views of the water, skyline and bridges—all without having to get your sea legs back. Thanks to ambitious redevelopment efforts, huge swaths of Manhattan and Brooklyn's waterfronts have been transformed into vibrant public spaces, complete with playgrounds, dog parks and bike paths. In other boroughs, more modestly sized piers are popular spots for locals and visitors alike to enjoy open water and sky. Since this is New York City, great restaurants and shops are never more than a short walk away, so grab your sunglasses and make a day of it. Here are 13 amazing places to walk on water in the City.